Wine press review for Saturday, September 20, 2025

Italian wineries

• Solidarity harvest: the "Oltre l'orizzonte" team among the vines of Tenute Lu Spada (Brindisi). Inclusion and tradition meet in the Negroamaro harvest for the “Masada Brindisi Doc”.
• Tenuta Ulisse acquires Montevetrano. The transaction, led by White Bridge Investments, strengthens the company's multi-regional strategy in the excellence of Central and Southern Italy.
• Iolei turns ten and relaunches Nepente di Oliena (Sardinia). From 200 bottles to 60,000, the small family business asserts itself through tradition and innovation.
• Tourists and wine: family-run wineries are preferred. Report on food and wine tourism: foreigners seek authenticity and a personal welcome.

Italian wine

• The United States remains Italy's leading market. Despite 15% duties, exports in the first half of 2025 grew to 988.4 million euros (5.2%).
• Primitivo di Manduria: too many grapes, balancing strategies needed. The protection body reports an increase in volumes (10%) but fears a collapse in prices without a wine registry.
• Record seizures in Puglia and Basilicata: 1.2 million liters of irregular wine. Untraceable products worth over €4.3 million were seized.
• Vulture "Italian City of Wine 2026" An alliance of 14 Lucanian municipalities will promote the thousand-year history of Aglianico.
• Young people in the Consortia: from Valpolicella to Sicily, new energy for the sector. The new generations are entering the decision-making processes, bringing ideas and training.
• The most beautiful wine villages in Italy From Barolo to Montalcino: authentic atmospheres among vineyards, must, and rural traditions.

Italian enology

• Decline in barrique sales (-15%). Producers are moving towards fresher, lighter wines, thanks to changes in consumption and new road regulations.
• "Too many markups at restaurants?" – the Fipe/Assoenologi debate. Excessive prices are at the center of the debate on the stability of consumption and the supply chain.
• Tre Bicchieri 2026 – Gambero Rosso The Italian excellences awarded region by region, with a focus on Sicily, including native wines and new trends.

International enology

• Etna and Langhe united in Paris (November 2025) Joint mission of 30 companies to conquer the French market.

Wine events

• Morbegno in Cantina 2025 (27 September – 12 October) New itineraries and growing bookings (10%).
• Franciacorta in Cantina Festival 2025. Fifteenth edition with tastings, trekking, and family activities.
• Open Cellars during Harvest – Umbria (September 20-21 and 27-28) Twelve wineries will be the protagonists with tastings, dinners in the vineyard, and activities for families.
• “Vino al Vino” – Panzano in Chianti (19-21 September) 30th anniversary of the Winegrowers' Union, tastings of over 80 labels.
• Alba Wine Festival (September 21st and 28th) 27th edition by Go Wine: Langa and Roero celebrate in the heart of the city.
• Franciacorta Festival, Douja d'Or, Cheese, Vini ad Arte, Sorsi di Vagliagli, Cous Cous Fest: a rich calendar of wine, food, and conviviality throughout Italy.

Emergencies and territories

• Devastating hailstorm in Friuli (Medea, Udine). 500 hectares of vineyards were completely damaged. Confagricoltura is asking the Region for support.

Thanks for listening. Today's press review was brought to you by QUIDQUID . See you tomorrow for a new journey through vineyards, wineries, and territories.